The Executive Committee of the European Judo Union met Saturday on the sidelines of the Senior European Cup in Dubrovnik, Croatia. The most important facts/decisions at a glance:
- From now on the athletes’ rights will be exercised by an eight-member EJU Athletes’ Commission (four women, four men). The new chairman is none other than double Olympic champion Lukas KRPALEK (CZE).
- Europe provides half of the 16 IJF referees for the World Championships in Doha (7 – 14 May). The following eight referees have been nominated: Ioana BABIUC (ROU), Roberta CHYURLIA (ITA), Heather LOONTJENS (BEL), Matthieu BATAILLE (FRA), Raul CAMACHO (ESP), Balazs GOZSTONY (HUN), Vladimir NUTSUBIDZE (GEO), Veli-Matti KARINLANTA (FIN).
- A familiar name appears on the list of new IJF continental referees: Tina TRSTENJAK, Olympic gold and silver medallist in her own right (-63 kg, 1st place 2016 in Rio, 2nd place 2020 in Tokyo). Tina will also act as an IJF Referee Supervisor from now on.
- The number of EJU events this year totals 106. NEW: On 16th of December, an exclusive format will be presented in Pristina, Kosovo with the European Championships Open. Only one weight class per gender (women: -57 kg/men: -73 kg) will be held. The prize money for the two competitions totals 300,000 euros. For Kosovo it is the first international tournament in the seniors category.
- So far, 7,101 accredited persons (athletes, coaches, officials, media) have participated in the first 25 EJU events this year. The number of overnight stays amounted to 20,000, and a number of participation records were set, especially in the cadet field (e.g. Zagreb, Teplice).
- The bidding process for the European Championships tournaments in 2024 will start in April (from the cadets to the general class to the veterans, including the European Mixed Team Championships). The first negotiations with the applicants will start this summer.
- From 2024 onwards, there will also be an EJU Under-16 Tour.
Judoka
Author: EJU Media